2 quick questions to the SHO gods from potential newbie

[pintoSHO]

Hey folks

Currently looking at an '89 SHO with 412,000 (!!!) miles on it. That's right- they're all legit. I think it's a testament to the previous 2 owners that it has run so long. ANyway, I took a look over the other night- no clear coat, screwy locks, and apparently, the fuel line gasket is leaking. (?)

Anyone have any idea what this involves? All the owner could tell me was that the line that runs into the engine (delivery of fuel, I suppose) had a leak around the block. Whenever gas is put into the car and it is started, it will all leak out onto the ground. He said it would require lifting the engine.

Assuming I leave this job to a shade tree mechanic, any idea of a ballpark price? I was thinking around 300, but I could be off. Of course, I can't test drive it until I buy it and get it fixed!


Other than that, the engine is super clean- all hwy miles, no leaks, no oil near the plugs, and a new clutch. He wants 300 bucks!

Assuming it was well-maintained, what is the average yearly cost I'll toss into this baby? I'm currently putting in about 1200 per year with my Saab 9000 Turbo. Would that hold for a good condition SHO?


Thanks in advance!

mike

 

[GEORGE 1992]

Well, I have heard of these cars having over 400,000 miles on them. If the car doesn't look like it is falling apart, both outside and inside, sounds like a real good deal. Would need some more details, major work and maintanance records etc.. What is the worst that can happen, spend less than a new set of tires would cost on the car, get it fixed(fuel problem means do not drive untill fixed)) and see what happens. Car requires maintanance like any other, maybe a little more than others, but they have something about them, like they have a personality or something. Sounds corny, but I know I am not the only one who feels this way.

 

[SASHO91]

Yeah these babys do have their mood swings! Most of the time, your really trying to make up with her! But in the end she always puts out! If you know what i mean.


does sound like a good deal, even if it almost half a million miles on it.?!? could be a good parts car though! good luck!

 

[pjtoledo]

It is not necessary to pull the engine to replace any of the fuel system parts. Remove a few pieces yes, pull the whole engine, no way. I would look at the plastic fuel lines that attach to the fuel rails. They are the part that flexes when the engine moves around.

Perry

 

[EXP1787]

I'm currently putting in about 1200 per year with my Saab 9000 Turbo.

I sold my Saab and bought the SHO. It was a money pit, I tell you. A money pit. Of course, me for investing as much into it as I did. Buying the SHO is a decision that I have never regretted.

 

[Cobraii976]

I have a few words on this one RUUNNNNNNN RUNNNNNNNNNNNN the other way FAST.... 412K. The car that just left here had 188k on it and cost him 1600.00 in two weeks. Last two SHO's I bought 90 for 350.00 Total investment in the first 6 month of ownership. 2200.00 95 for 500.00 well lets say I just did an engine swap do to rod bearing failure. Both had 160k on them when I bought them. Unless you can get out and drive this thing I'd stay away. Could be real possible it's never had a 60K Could be an oil burner or a smoker. Might has suspension problems. Engine problems. Trans problems. General pain in the *** problems. Could be 300.00 worth of problems but might make a real nice parts car if it has some decent parts. Just my opinion and we all know opinons are like ******** everyone's got one.

 

[projectSHO89]

The complete fuel line is $120 from a dealer. Replacing it is not difficult, just tedious. Mine was leaking from one of the quick connect couplers ar the fuel rail. A visit to a junkyard to obtain a section of hose with the coupler body along with a barbed splice from NAPA took care of the leak.

If you normally pay someone else to work on your cars, skip this one.

If you do your own work, be prepared for several thousand dollars just in parts, depending on what the previous owners had done....

Buy a cell phone and a AAA Plus membership......

Steve

 

[pintoSHO]

Cool

Thanks for all the info. and the colorful stories! I'm going to have to sit on this one. You're right- 412k is a lot of miles, but it was owned by a mechanic who did all his work. I would generally tend to do all my own work, but the engine looks a little tricky- I'm used to opening the hood and seeing everything...here, all I see are the beautiful intake runners. Like thorned crown I'd need to remove everytime I wanted to get at something!

The guy selling it told me there's a collector in Ohio who's going to give him a check for 1500 bucks- 500 for him and 1000 to a shipper who will tow the car to Ohio- apparently, this guy's a big SHO collector. Ever heard of him?

I'll be back...just waiting for a better-looking SHO.

Thanks

mike

 

[40BelowSummer]

The guy selling it told me there's a collector in Ohio who's going to give him a check for 1500 bucks- 500 for him and 1000 to a shipper who will tow the car to Ohio- apparently, this guy's a big SHO collector. Ever heard of him?

Its not that rare yet.

 

[F-22 Raptor SHO]

Im with cobra on this one, it is not a keeper. The only SHO I would buy that had 300,000 miles on it would be SDPATT's....why? Cause I know he did EVERY PIECE OF MAINTENANCE on it. So, Scott, I have the 300.00 any time you are ready to sell

412,000 is a record breaking mileage, but even for 300.00, you can expect to put alot more into it if it wasnt maintained. I bought my 117,000 mile SHO from michigan of all places and it was pretty nice looking considering it spend 13 years in a rust belt state. Still I put 2500 into it to cover the items that werent maintained.......well, some stuff was extra like the police grille and the new exhaust that I justified, but still I had 1000.00 in MUST be replaced items.